Challenges With Healthcare Workers’ Protection During the Covid-19 Pandemic in Iran Publisher Pubmed



Nasrabadi AN¹ ; Shali M² ; Ghorbani A³ ; Matourypour P³ ; Harati Khalilabad T⁴ Show Affiliations
Source: British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Published:2021

Abstract

During the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers stand in the frontline of the fight against the disease. This study aimed to assess the challenges with personal protection during the pandemic in Tehran, Iran. Seven-hundred healthcare workers were surveyed between April and May 2020, and the study was performed in surgical care wards. Questionnaires, which were sent to 1000 workers via online platforms, social networks, and emails to different associations, were used to assess the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and the reasons for not using it. A total of 700 replied. Face masks and face shields had the highest and lowest use, respectively. Equipment shortage, time constraint, low supervision, and lack of information were the reasons for personnel not using PPE. To reduce the burden of COVID-19 and accelerate the process of patient care, it is important to protect and maintain the well-being of staff. Organised national and international arrangements to protect them are critical. © 2020 The British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons